Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and one of its most beloved dishes is seafood fried rice. This comforting and satisfying meal perfectly captures the essence of Thai cooking, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Thai seafood fried rice, presenting you with a simple recipe that you can easily replicate at home.
What is Thai Seafood Fried Rice?
Thai seafood fried rice, or “Khao Pad Thale,” is a popular street food dish that features aromatic jasmine rice stirfried with a medley of fresh seafood, vegetables, and herbs. The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce, fish sauce, and sometimes a hint of lime, making it a bright and tasty option for any meal of the day.
Ingredients
To make authentic Thai seafood fried rice, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably dayold for better texture)
200 grams seafood mix (shrimp, squid, and fish)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and bell peppers)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
23 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure all your ingredients are prepped. If you’re using frozen seafood, make sure it’s thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over mediumhigh heat. Add the seafood mix and stirfry for 23 minutes until cooked through. Remove the seafood from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Eggs
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are slightly softened. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan, and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix everything together.
Step 4: StirFry the Rice
Add the cooked jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir well to mix the rice with the vegetables and eggs.
Step 5: Season the Dish
Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Toss the rice thoroughly to ensure it’s evenly coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the cooked seafood back into the pan and stir everything for another minute until heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the fried rice from the heat and transfer it to serving plates. Garnish your seafood fried rice with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Thai Seafood Fried Rice
Use dayold rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, making it difficult to achieve the desired fried rice texture. Dayold rice is drier and produces better results.
Customize your seafood: Feel free to include your favorite seafood options such as crab, mussels, or scallops. Just be mindful of cooking times as different seafood can have varying cook times.
Add herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like basil or mint can elevate your dish’s flavor further and add a fresh element to the meal.
Conclusion
Thai seafood fried rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made in no time. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an excellent option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Try this recipe at home and enjoy a taste of Thailand that’s just as good as what you’d find at a bustling street market. Garnish with lime and cilantro, and savor every bite of this delightful seafood delight!